Could there be a better way to celebrate your birthday than by playing a sold out show at New York’s Bowery Ballroom on February 26, 2012? That’s exactly what New Jersey’s singer-songwriter Sharon Van Etten did. In fact, she closed out the weekend with 3 sold out shows in the area and if tonight’s audience was any indication, New York hearts Sharon Van Etten. The show lasted nearly 2 hours and Sharon played many tracks off her latest record “Tramp.” In between songs, the audience took every opportunity to wish Sharon a happy birthday and the audience sang to her during the encore. Sharon Van Etten has an angelic folk/rock voice and to go along with her music, very cool visuals accompanied each song, projected onto a huge white screen situated behind the band.

Sharon Van Etten

Sharon told the crowd that her label, Jagjaguwar is having a contest where fans can help contribute to the trippy visuals they use on tour so be sure to check out their website for full details. Sharon’s father was in the crowd as well as Kyp Malone from TV On The Radio. During the encore, Van Etten covered Kris Kristofferson and she mentioned it was her first time ever playing the song. Our friends at NYC Taper have recorded the show so the audio should be up on their site very soon. Thanks again for a great show Sharon and happy birthday!

On February 26, 2011, New York’s afro-beat/new-wave band Caveman opened for White Rabbits at a sold out show at New York’s Bowery Ballroom. Lead singer Matthew Iwanusa announced that it was almost one year ago to the day when Cavemen played their first ever show. This was my first exposure to their music and I liked what I heard. Their bio describes their sound as “equal parts chamber pop, dreamscape, and horror film score. At a Caveman show you will hear four-part harmonies, spaced-out guitars, synths, and, yes, much drumming.” Good stuff. I was unable to locate free mp3s for you, but you can stream a bunch of songs on their myspace page (link is above).

Caveman

I met lead singer Matthew Iwanusa of Caveman after the set and he was very cool. You can see a photo from that experience as well as the setlist after the jump. Thanks again Matthew and best of luck to Caveman.

On February 26, 2011, Brooklyn based band White Rabbits played a sold out show at Manhattan’s Bowery Ballroom. I knew very little about the group prior to seeing them live, but as I had read that Britt Daniel, the lead singer of Spoon, produced their 2009 album “It’s Frightening,” that was enough for me to try out a new experience. I am glad I went with my instincts as the show was awesome. After great sets from Cavemen and Arms, the six-piece indie rock band White Rabbits played for about an hour and a half, taking the stage just after 11 pm. More on Cavemen and Arms coming soon – stay tuned.

White Rabbits

Lead singer Stephen Patterson played piano in addition to vocals and had a great stage presence. The songs White Rabbits played were all upbeat and the audience danced along all night long. Highlights for me were “The Salesman” and “Rudie Fails.” The band also previewed some new songs that will most likely be on the band’s new record. Spotted in the crowd was Britt Daniel of Spoon, whom I said hello to on my way through the audience. See a spy photo of Britt Daniel as well as the setlist after the jump.